⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com This episode of Start With a Win dives into the top leadership lessons of 2024, host Adam Contos welcomes wife, Kelly Contos, they blend humor, personal anecdotes, and professional observations to explore what makes leaders, leaders. Packed with relatable stories and actionable advice, this holiday-themed discussion delivers an engaging and thought-provoking take on leadership that will leave you eager for more. 00:00 Intro – Five Leadership topics of 2024 01:59 Almost half of employees say Leaders are not this! 04:45 As a Leader there is nothing worse than this… 09:14 Topic two: everyone wants/needs this! 11:50 If you don’t have this, how can you do this…number three… 21:05 Topic four: This helps all things and solves all things! 26:15 Number five! 32:45 Wrapping up, if anything listen to the last two minutes! =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos dives into the journey of building confidence, navigating systemic challenges, and redefining leadership from a personal and professional perspective with guest Kelli Thompson. Kelli an award-winning executive coach and author of Closing the Confidence Gap, explores the tools and mindset shifts necessary for women—and everyone else—to lead with clarity and self-assurance. Kelli shares her inspiring story of resilience and transformation, from corporate America to entrepreneurship, and how her groundbreaking programs empower leaders to thrive in challenging environments. Tune in for an insightful discussion about finding purpose, advocating for yourself, and creating impactful change in leadership spaces. Kelli Thompson is an executive coach and speaker who is on a mission to advance women to the rooms where decisions are made. She has coached and trained thousands of women to trust themselves, lead with more confidence, and create a career they love. She is the founder of the Clarity & Confidence Women's Leadership Program, and a Stevie Award winner for Women in Business—Coach of the Year. She is the author of the critically acclaimed book, Closing The Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential & Your Paycheck. Kelli holds an MBA, has served as an adjunct management professor, and has more than ten years of senior leadership experience in financial services and technology organizations. Her thought leadership has been featured in the Harvard Business Review, Forbes, MarketWatch, Quartz @ Work, HuffPost, and FastCompany. Kelli is from Omaha, Nebraska, and her favorite roles are wife to Jason and mom to Hailey. 00:00 Intro 01:35 An aha moment, really think about what you want to be when you grow up! 05:20 The moment when it hit, anyone can overcome 08:20 The program every (woman) leadership person needs 11:16 The three Ps 12:54 If you don’t know what you this, then you don’t know what you will this! 16:01 What are the blockers? 20:17 To be a good leader you need to do this first! 22:59 In order to develop your team you need to do this… 27:13 Always move this… =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com Some people want to start a business but are overwhelmed to the point of inaction. Yet strategic action offsets overwhelm. How can you propel yourself to move forward in your career? Today on Start With a Win, host Adam Contos joins Pat on his podcast: In the latest episode of Destination Business Freedom, Pat Mancuso invites Adam Contos, a Partner at Area 15 Ventures, to speak about building ventures through effective leadership. Adam shares some of his favorite books and most influential mentors, his leadership philosophy and personal wisdom, and how he began franchising businesses with RE/MAX Holdings. Former real estate CEO and leadership coach Adam Contos maintains that you must be held accountable for taking action on your vision. However, less than 1% of people can hold themselves accountable regularly for their entrepreneurial endeavors, leading small businesses to fail in the first year. Instead, you should acquire a coach or leader to develop an accountability system. Exceptional leaders influence and guide you to accomplish a task or vision by building trust and practicing what they preach. With an inspirational leader, you can identify the mental gaps in your personal and professional life and take action for future growth. 00:00 Intro 03:46 How Adam Contos transitioned from a cop to leading a venture capital firm 06:50 The mental barriers to starting a business — and how to take action 12:04 Adam’s philosophy on leadership 16:01 Why RE/MAX franchised companies in the quick service restaurant (QSR) space 23:35 Adam talks about his leadership drivers in real estate and entrepreneurship 30:30 What are Adam’s favorite books, and who are his most influential mentors? Quotable Moments: "Ultimately, it comes down to, ‘how can you be accountable for taking that action?’ If there's no accountability, there's no action." "Leaders influence and guide somebody in order to accomplish a task or change a vision or establish values within an organization." "People will give way more than that 40% effort if they are so engaged and so inspired by the leadership in that organization." "We looked for people, systems, and products, and we found it at Port of Subs. It was rock solid." "Stay hungry and stay humble. There is no job that is too small for a key leader to go and do." Action Steps: 1. Define your destination in entrepreneurial ventures: It's crucial for business owners to have a clear objective; mapping a destination helps bridge the gap between their current state and future success. 2. Embrace change and lead through transformation: Change is inevitable in all industries; by adapting and leading effectively through it, a business can stay relevant and competitive. 3. Establish a system of accountability: To ensure action and avoid stagnation, accountability keeps individuals on track with their entrepreneurial goals. 4. Focus on relationship-building within organizations: Strong interpersonal connections can elevate employee experiences and translate to enhanced customer interaction and retention. 5. Stay informed and educated about industry developments: Ongoing learning about tools, trends, and changes, such as in AI, enables leaders to anticipate shifts and harness opportunities for growth. Sponsor for the Destination Business Freedom episode... This episode is brought to you by the Mancuso Consulting Group, a go-to resource for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business owners dedicated to personal and business growth. Our team of experts has coached, consulted, and trained over 15,000 entrepreneurs, C-suite leaders, and business owners in areas of sales, leadership, organizational development, and personal growth. Additionally, Pat Mancuso has launched multiple multimillion-dollar business ventures, giving him a firsthand understanding of entrepreneurs' daily challenges. At the Mancuso Consulting Group, we are committed to exploring innovative ways to help businesses and leaders grow their people and improve their bottom lines. To learn how the Mancuso Consulting Group can help you unlock your full potential, visit www.themancusomethod.com, email us at pat@themancusomethod.com, or call 651-503-7355. =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In today’s episode of Start With a Win, Adam Contos dives into key leadership challenges and strategies for overcoming them. Adam explores how personal mindset, clarity in communication, team development, and humility play vital roles in successful leadership. He underscores the ripple effect leaders have on their teams and organizations, emphasizing the importance of starting each day positively, communicating effectively, fostering growth in others, and managing ego. Packed with relatable anecdotes and actionable insights, Adam provides a thoughtful perspective on self-reflection and growth, encouraging listeners to embrace these lessons in their leadership journeys. 00:00 Intro 00:45 Five Big Leadership Mistakes 01:30 Number One 03:15 Please do this! 05:05 Number Two 06:35 Lack of THIS is a lack of Leadership! 08:32 Number Three 09:40 To be a great leader, you need to be THIS! 12:36 Number Four 13:20 How to take THIS and use it as data! 16:29 Number Five 19:30 Get out of this TERM! 20:45 If you teach THIS, then you get THAT! =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com Today on Start With a Win, join Adam Contos as he takes the spotlight on Franchise Masters, presented by Netsertive and Franchise Filming. Adam's journey is nothing short of extraordinary—from navigating the dangers of the streets to counterterrorism, and ultimately, leading in the world of franchising. Discover powerful leadership insights from a true master who’s seen it all and come out on top! 00:00 Intro and background on Adam Contos 03:23 Differences and similarities between military and franchise life! 04:20 Importance of the human base in the franchisees 06:43 Adam’s Strategy 09:36 Favorite moments in franchising! 11:20 Advice for Franchisees =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this captivating episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos welcomes franchise innovator Sam Ballas, founder and CEO of East Coast Wings & Grill. Sam shares his fascinating journey from Wall Street executive to thriving restaurateur and franchising expert, recounting how a single restaurant venture sparked a transformative career. Together, they delve into building enduring business systems, scaling horizontally and vertically, and what it truly takes to create and sustain a successful brand in the competitive restaurant and franchise industry. Alongside insightful personal stories and leadership lessons, listeners get an inside look at the strategies that set Sam apart in franchise innovation. Don't miss this deep dive into how vision, resilience, and the right systems can lead to sustained success. Sam Ballas is the founder and CEO of East Coast Wings + Grill (ECW+G), founder of ZorAbility, Inc., and co-founder of Sammy’s Sliders. With over 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry and 30+ years in financial markets and real estate development, Sam has pioneered innovative franchise strategies centered on Unit Level Economics (ULE). His leadership has earned ECW+G accolades such as Franchise Business Review’s Top 50 Restaurant Franchises and Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 500 Franchise Systems. Sam serves on the International Franchise Association's Board of Directors and holds certifications as a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). 00:00 Intro 01:20 Came from Wall Street to Franchising… 06:05 Horizontal scale? 07:20 Can you franchise that? 11:05 What does the after look like? 12:15 If you think this, it is a huge mistake! 14:20 You have to have these pillars… 17:23 Biggest advice! 19:46 Founders Syndrome… 24:55 You have to take this and look through it in a different lens… 27:40 Key piece of advice… =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com In this engaging part two episode of Start With a Win, host Adam Contos welcomes back Anne Morriss where they dive into the often-underestimated power of soft leadership skills in transforming organizational culture. They explore the challenges of burnout, inefficient meeting cultures, and the fear of change that holds businesses back. Through insightful stories and actionable strategies, this episode unpacks how tapping into agency, inclusivity, and a commitment to change can unlock extraordinary success. If you're ready to reframe how you lead, this conversation is packed with gold. Tune in for an inspiring deep dive! Anne Morriss is an entrepreneur, leadership coach, and founder of The Leadership Consortium (TLC), a leadership accelerator focused on building inclusive executive teams and preparing emerging leaders for senior roles. With over 20 years of experience guiding entrepreneurs, companies, and government leaders on strategy and organizational change, Anne is committed to helping individuals realize their full potential as leaders and changemakers. She also founded GenePeeks, a computational genomics company that developed breakthrough methods for identifying disease risk. Anne is the best-selling coauthor of Uncommon Service, Unleashed, and Move Fast & Fix Things, a guide on trust, leadership, and business. She also co-hosts the leadership podcast Fixable with Frances Frei, where they offer quick, actionable coaching to help solve workplace challenges. Anne serves on the board of IGNITE, which promotes political engagement among young women, and has been recognized by Thinkers50 as one of the world’s most influential business thinkers. 00:00 Intro 00:54 Five patterns in book correlate to the five these… 01:30 The real realization moment… 06:43 Leaders need to commit to this… 07:27 People fear this however it is really this they fear… 10:11 How do leaders recognize this and what to do about it 13:31 Here is the answer and he can sum it up in three words… 17:13 We are wired to avoid this! 19:33 Get addicted to what happens next 21:30 Here is your action item to do this week! 24:06 The night before, um! =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Want weekly leadership content? Go here ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com If you're looking to unlock your potential as a leader, push beyond conventional approaches, and inspire meaningful action, this part one episode is a must-listen. It’s a thought-provoking conversation that will leave you rethinking how to approach leadership, not just in business, but in life. Start With a Win, host Adam Contos dives deep into the true essence of leadership with the insightful and dynamic Anne Morriss, co-host of the podcast, Fixable and a thought leader in building inclusive executive teams. The conversation tackles critical aspects of leadership that are often overlooked in formal education, including the 'soft skills'—or 'human skills' as Adam prefers to call them—that play a pivotal role in guiding organizations towards success. Anne draws from her experience in public health and entrepreneurship to explore how trust, storytelling, and inclusive leadership are foundational to achieving impactful change. Together, Adam and Anne challenge the traditional notion of leadership training, questioning why such essential skills are not emphasized early on in education. Anne Morriss is an entrepreneur, leadership coach, and founder of The Leadership Consortium (TLC), a leadership accelerator focused on building inclusive executive teams and preparing emerging leaders for senior roles. With over 20 years of experience guiding entrepreneurs, companies, and government leaders on strategy and organizational change, Anne is committed to helping individuals realize their full potential as leaders and changemakers. She also founded GenePeeks, a computational genomics company that developed breakthrough methods for identifying disease risk. Anne is the best-selling coauthor of Uncommon Service, Unleashed, and Move Fast & Fix Things, a guide on trust, leadership, and business. She also co-hosts the leadership podcast Fixable with Frances Frei, where they offer quick, actionable coaching to help solve workplace challenges. Anne serves on the board of IGNITE, which promotes political engagement among young women, and has been recognized by Thinkers50 as one of the world’s most influential business thinkers. 00:00 Intro 02:01 This variable is (a big factor) if teams have it, they are able to accomplish their mission! 03:15 Steps to being a change leader! 12:02 Current challenge that leaders are facing! 14:51 Here is when you know you are getting it right. 16:46 Think about these two things first thing in the morning and bring your vision to life. 17:55 Best advice from a top CEO! 18:57 Why this got a bad name? =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory

⚡️FREE RESOURCE: 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵'𝘴 𝘞𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱? ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/myleadership Today’s on Start With a Win, host Adam Contos sits down with Christian Muntean, founder of Vantage Consulting and author of Training to Lead, to discuss leadership development and its critical role in business success. Christian shares insights from his background in international disaster relief and athletics, drawing parallels between athletic training and leadership training. He emphasizes that effective leadership, much like athletic performance, requires a structured, continuous approach rather than a one-time immersion in concepts. Christian critiques the typical path to leadership, where technical proficiency often leads to promotion without adequate leadership development. He also highlights the leadership gap in modern businesses, where millennials, in particular, lack the necessary training due to insufficient mentorship from previous generations. Adam and Christian explore ways to address this gap, emphasizing the importance of ongoing leadership training in building successful organizations. Christian Muntean offers strategic consultancy through Vantage Consulting, drawing on his global experience from over 40 countries to enhance business and leadership practices. His approach is informed by a comprehensive background in organizational growth and efficiency. Christian lives in Anchorage, Alaska, where he balances his professional insights with a personal passion for woodworking and Brazilian jujitsu. Discover more about his approach to leadership and organizational development at ChristianMuntean.com. 00:00 Intro 02:01 If the team is this…then it can achieve amazing things! 04:30 If athletes can do this why can’t leaders! 06:06 Why are we missing this in leadership? 08:20 Even if you have leadership content doesn’t mean you will have this! 11:30 How to institute better leadership training…there are few ways! 14:23 If a leader does not do this then the rest of the training/programs do not work! 17:10 Structure of the book. 21:46 Core/foundation leadership principles 27:01 It begins here… 30:31 First win is the big one… https://www.christianmuntean.com/ =========================== Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE:📱 =========================== YT ➡︎ https://www.youtube.com/@AdamContosCEO Apple ➡︎ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-with-a-win/id1438598347 Spotify ➡︎ https://open.spotify.com/show/4w1qmb90KZOKoisbwj6cqT =========================== Connect with Adam: =========================== Website ➡︎ https://adamcontos.com/ Facebook ➡︎ https://facebook.com/AdamContosCEO Twitter ➡︎ https://twitter.com/AdamContosCEO Instagram ➡︎ https://instagram.com/adamcontosceo/ #adamcontos #startwithawin #leadershipfactory